Safely Adjusting Your Water Heater Temperature

Are you tired of taking lukewarm showers in the morning? Is your family trying to find ways to save on your monthly utility bills? Adjusting your water heater temperature is an excellent way to find the right balance between energy usage and comfort. Whether youre trying to turn the heat up, or down, its important that you take the right steps to adjust your settings safely to avoid burns. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh, we provide water heater related repairs, replacements, installations and inspections. Our team of certified plumbers have helped many local families and businesses get quality results from their water heater systems, and we want you to achieve the same. Here are some tips for how you can safely and effectively adjust the water temperature in your Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area home.

Reasons for Adjusting Your Water Temperature

As mentioned above, the two most popular reasons for adjusting water heater temperatures are for comfort or to reduce energy costs. For many families, theyre water may have a tendency to run cold quickly. No one likes to take a frigid bath or shower. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners experiencing this issue assume theres a problem with their water heater. They may end up replacing parts or replacing their entire unit unnecessarily. Before resorting to extremes, check your temperature setting to see if its too low. You may discover that your water heater is in excellent condition, and you can start having the long, hot showers youve been dreaming of. On the other hand, some families may wish to turn their temperatures down. Perhaps theyre trying to find ways to trim their rising electricity costs, or maybe there are young children or an elderly parent living in the home. If youre struggling with these circumstances, turning the down your water heater temperature could help solve your problems.

How to Adjust Your Settings

The first step is to find out what your current water temperature is set at. The fastest way is to find a faucet that is closest to your water heater, and run the hot water tap for several minutes. Before testing, make sure that your water heater has been unused for an hour. Fill a glass with the hot water and use a standard thermometer to measure its heat. If the temperature is higher than 120 or less than 100 degrees, you may want to adjust it. Locate the temperature settings on your water heater unit, and make the appropriate adjustments.

Safety Precautions

Keep in mind that water over 120 degrees Fahrenheit can present a safety hazard. While most adults can balance the heat by adding cool water, children and elderly family members may have difficulty doing so, and could accidently scald themselves while washing their hands or taking a shower. Its for this reason that the Environmental Protection Agency and most water heater manufacturers recommend that families keep their water heater settings at 120 degrees. This temperature is safe, comfortable and can help you save money. If you prefer hot water, and everyone in your household is capable of safely controlling the faucets, you can raise the temperature slightly. However, never go above 140 degrees, or you could develop injuries.

Need a Water Heater Repair or Replacement? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh

Have you made the proper adjustments, but your water heater is still underperforming? Then it might be time for a repair or replacement. Call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh. Our team of certified and insured plumbers are excited to offer premium residential and commercial services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. Contact our office today to schedule a convenient appointment.

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